Trinity patient receives unique implant

January 8, 2012

STEUBENVILLE -A patient at Trinity Health System was the first in Ohio, and just the fifth in the U.S., to have the world's smallest and thinnest cardioverter defibrillator implanted in him.

The device, used to treat heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest, was implanted in a patient being treated for ventricular arrhythmias Tuesday by Dr. Maninder Bedi, a Trinity electrophysiologist

Bedi implanted an INCEPTA, a Boston Scientific device, into the patient.

"Boston Scientific has given physicians the opportunity to better treat our patients while fulfilling the requests of what patients say they want smaller, thinner and long-lasting devices that perform when needed," Bedi said. "In addition, the new device is easier and quicker to implant, enhancing patient comfort."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved three new Boston Scientific resynchronization therapy defibrillators and implantable cardioverter defibrillators, including INCEPTA, in November.

In addition to its exclusive smaller size, the other advantage of INCEPTA is its 10-year warranty, nearly double that of its competitors.

"I think the technology is what really makes it special," said Keith Murdock, Trinity spokesman. "We're able to implant cardioverters now and they last 10 years. I think that's the biggest thing now."

Murdock said the smaller size of the INCEPTA model makes it more comfortable for the patient, and the design also reduces the risk of rejection.

"Bedi was the first one to do it, but all of our electrophysiologists will be using them in future," Murdock said.

He said Trinity's heart center "continues to lead the way in cardiac care and this procedure exemplifies our commitment to leading edge technologies."

"Some patients have Web-based monitors placed in their homes that communicate with the device," Bedi said. "Through this technology, physicians can remotely monitor a patients vital signs and device function. This helps us better manage their very complex disease. In a survival study, patients with remote monitoring had a lower mortality rate."